News

Lands on IR

Analysis: An MRI confirmed Miller suffered a torn ACL during Saturday's preseason contest against the Cowboys, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Miller's placement on IR is confirmation that he'll miss the entire 2019 season, leaving Duke Johnson, Josh Ferguson, Karan Higdon, Buddy Howell, Damarea Crockett and Taiwan Jones as the running backs currently on the roster. Among those options, Johnson appears to be the favorite for starting snaps.

Published: Mon, Aug 26 at 3:29pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

MRI confirms torn ACL

Analysis: This report confirms the feared initial diagnosis, though it's not an official announcement from the team. The Texans will turn to Duke Johnson as their starter, with Buddy Howell, Damarea Crockett and Josh Ferguson next in line.

Published: Sun, Aug 25 at 10:39am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Torn ACL feared

Miller, who was carted off the field during Saturday's preseason contest against the Cowboys with a left knee injury, is feared to have suffered a torn ACL, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

Analysis: The torn ACL diagnosis won't be confirmed until an MRI is complete, but Miller appears to be facing a lengthy recovery timetable. The Texans are thin at running back behind their veteran starter with Duke Johnson, Buddy Howell, Damarea Crockett and Josh Ferguson next in line.

Published: Sat, Aug 24 at 6:48pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Gets carted off field

Miller (leg) was carted off the field during the first quarter of Saturday's preseason contest in Dallas, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Miller took a blindside hit from Cowboys defensive lineman Maliek Collins. Per Aaron Reiss of The Athletic, the Texans' medical staff was examining Miller's left leg, but the nature of the injury won't be known until further notice. The next players up in this backfield are Duke Johnson, Buddy Howell, Josh Ferguson and Damarea Crockett.

Published: Sat, Aug 24 at 4:22pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Carted off

Miller was carted off with a left knee injury in Saturday's preseason game, Brian Smith of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis: The immediate reaction to Miller's injury was that it looked pretty nasty, with a number of teammates coming over to console him as he was carted off. Duke Johnson is his top backup.

Published: Sat, Aug 24 at 4:19pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Has new backup

Miller now has a proven backup in Duke Johnson, who the Texans acquired in a trade Thursday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Miller remains the team's starter, but prior to the move there had been an open competition for backup slotting. Johnson's known for his pass-catching ability, so he'll provide the Texans with a nice change-of-pace option behind Miller. While the addition of Johnson figures to limit Miller's passing targets, Miller is still in line to handle the bulk of the team's early down work, thus retaining a solid floor fantasy floor, so long as he avoids injuries.

Published: Thu, Aug 8 at 8:52am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Team seeks red-zone improvement

The Texans are looking to be a better rushing team in the red zone, particularly inside the 5-yard-line, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports. Miller had just five attempts inside the 5 last season, tied for 31st.

Analysis: if the Texans succeed in becoming a more productive rushing team in close, that will result in more touchdown opportunities for Miller and backup D'Onta Foreman. "That's the difference between being a good offense and a great offense, being able to run the ball in whenever you get down there," quarterback Deshaun Watson said. "That's (something) we want to focus on. Once we get in the red zone like we did last year, we have to find ways to get the ball in the end zone." The Texans often settled…read more

Published: Fri, Aug 2 at 3:23pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Expected to keep lead job

Coach Bill O'Brien said Miller is still the lead back in Houston, Aaron Reiss of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Asked about the competition between Miller and D'Onta Foreman, the Texans' head coach essentially shot down the idea, saying Miller is the starter and it's everything else that still needs to be determined. While Foreman doesn't have much competition for the No. 2 job, any challenge for Miller's spot may need to take place in-season rather than this summer. Regardless, the Houston backfield will require close watching throughout training camp and beyond, as Miller has been mediocre for years…read more

Published: Sun, Jul 28 at 3:51pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Positioned for key role again

Miller and D'Onta Foreman will lead the Houston backfield, Deepi Sidhu of the team's official website reports.

Analysis: It felt like an empty promise in February when then-GM Brian Gaine endorsed Miller as the team's lead back, but Gaine subsequently chose not to add any competition in free agency or the draft. It's unclear whether that decision played a role in his recent firing, as there seems to be some frustration with the Texans failing to use their plethora of cap space to procure meaningful offseason upgrades. The result leaves Miller in a good spot to maintain a large share of the carries, but it also…read more

Published: Tue, Jun 18 at 8:45am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Endorsed as 2019 starter

General manager Brian Gaine endorsed Miller as the Texans' starting running back for the 2019 season, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports. "He's a three-down back," Gaine noted Thursday at the NFL Combine.

Analysis: Houston ranks among the league leaders in cap space this offseason and, probably as a result of which, has been linked to numerous running backs that will soon become available when free agency opens in March. While it's not out of the question for the Texans to add some sort of backfield depth this offseason, it doesn't appear as though Gaine is positioning his team to be in the market for a high-priced veteran such as Le'Veon Bell.

Published: Thu, Feb 28 at 11:04am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Catches eight passes

Miller carried five times for 18 yards and caught eight of 10 targets for 63 additional yards during Saturday's 21-7 loss to the Colts.

Analysis: Miller's usage as a rusher suffered with his team trailing for most of the day, leading him to finish with one of his poorest rushing performances of the season. He stepped up as a pass catcher, however, finishing second on the team in both catches and receiving yards. While Miller's season ends on a disappointing note, he still piled up 1,217 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns in 17 appearances, which will go down as one of the best seasons of his NFL career. The possibility remains that…read more

Published: Sat, Jan 5 at 5:27pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Scores in season finale

Miller rushed for 56 yards and a touchdown on seven carries and did not gain yardage on two catches during Sunday's 20-3 win over the Jaguars.

Analysis: Miller extended Houston's lead to 13 shortly before halftime, taking the inside handoff and pounding through for a seven-yard score. It was the veteran back's second rushing touchdown in his last three games, but he's averaging just 2.9 yards per carry during that span. Whether this is a blip or a trend will bear monitoring heading into next week's playoff game, most likely against the winner of Sunday night's game between Indianapolis and Tennessee. Miller almost certainly would prefer a…read more

Published: Sun, Dec 30 at 2:12pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Ready for Week 17

Coach Bill O'Brien said Miller (ankle) is "good to go" for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Miller was already upgraded to full practice participation Thursday, but it's nonetheless good to see that carry over to Friday. The 27-year-old should be in line for a full workload against Jacksonville, which features the 18th-ranked rush defense in the NFL (115.7 yards per game) and allows 4.3 yards per carry.

Published: Fri, Dec 28 at 8:19am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Returns to full practice

Miller (ankle) practiced fully Thursday.

Analysis: After sitting out Week 16's loss to the Eagles, Miller was limited at practice Wednesday, but Thursday's upgrade to full participation aligns with the running back's assessment, via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, that his ankle feels "way better" at this stage. Miller is thus in line to return to action Sunday against the Jaguars, who have allowed an average of 115.7 rushing yards per game to date, a mark that ranks 18th overall in the NFL that category.

Published: Thu, Dec 27 at 1:01pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Limited practice session Wednesday

Miller (ankle) was officially limited at practice Wednesday.

Analysis: That's a positive indicator with regard to his status for Week 17 against the Jaguars, with Drew Dougherty of the Texans' official site noting that "there's a decent chance" Miller will play if things go well for him in practice the next few days. That's a tad more optimistic than coach Bill O'Brien's take on the situation from Monday. Miller's activity will be revisited Thursday to see if he maintains his limited level of practice participation, which seems likely.

Published: Wed, Dec 26 at 2:14pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Able to practice Wednesday

Analysis: Miller will likely be listed as a limited participant when the Texans release their first practice report of Week 17, but his ability to take the field in any capacity offers optimism that he has a chance to play Sunday against the Jaguars. While Miller sat out the Week 16 loss to the Eagles, Alfred Blue filled in as the starting running back and compiled 14 yards on four carries and 26 yards on four receptions.

Published: Wed, Dec 26 at 10:40am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Analysis: After injuring his right ankle Week 15, Miller maintained a limited listing on injury reports Wednesday through Friday. Despite entering the weekend as questionable, the Texans downgraded him to out Saturday. O'Brien's comments may have been nothing more than coach speak, but it's clear Miller was missed during Sunday's 32-30 loss in Philadelphia. Without his services, the Texans managed less than half of their weekly output on the ground -- just 62 yards -- with Deshaun Watson leading the team…read more

Published: Mon, Dec 24 at 10:15am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Out Sunday

Miller (ankle) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's contest against the Eagles.

Analysis: Head coach Bill O'Brien suggested Friday that Miller had a "chance" at playing Sunday, but that appeared more remote each passing day given the veteran running back was never able to log a full day of practice. Alfred Blue is expected to take over the starting role in Miller's absence, but there's a possibility D'Onta Foreman could see his first action this season after missing most of 2018 while recovering from surgery to his Achilles tendon.

Published: Sat, Dec 22 at 8:50am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Questionable for Week 16

Miller (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles after practicing in a limited fashion all week.

Analysis: Coach Bill O'Brien said Friday that Miller "has a chance" to play in Sunday's game, which is one of nine contests kicking off at 1 p.m. EST. O'Brien's non-committal words suggest that the running back's status could go down to a game-time call. If Miller ends up limited or out Sunday, added work would be available for Alfred Blue. D'Onta Foreman, who was activated from the PUP list earlier this month, would also be a candidate to see his first game action in more than a year.

Published: Fri, Dec 21 at 12:45pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Could play in Week 16

Coach Bill O'Brien said Friday that Miller (ankle) could play in Sunday's contest against the Eagles, but added "the game is still 48 hours away though," Deepi Sidhu of the Texans' official site reports.

Analysis: O'Brien's comments might leave the door open for Miller to play, but they also don't provide any clues with regards to the running back's chances of taking the field. Miller's official status for Week 16 will be revealed after Friday's practice concludes, but it's looking like a final call on his availability won't come until gameday.

Published: Fri, Dec 21 at 8:08am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Remains limited at practice

Miller (ankle) was limited at practice once again Thursday.

Analysis: Per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the running back's practice participation this week "points toward a good chance Miller is able to play this week, barring a setback." For his part, Miller is "taking it day-by-day" at this stage, but is relieved that he avoided a major injury in Week 15. We'll revisit his status Friday to see if Miller approaches Sunday's game against the Eagles with an injury designation or is fully cleared in advance of that contest.

Published: Thu, Dec 20 at 3:01pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Logs limited practice Wednesday

Miller (ankle) was listed as a limited practice participant Wednesday.

Analysis: Miller's ability to practice Wednesday would seem to confirm coach Bill O'Brien's previous optimism with regard to the running back's right ankle injury. He'll still need to be monitored as the week rolls along, however, to see if he carries a designation into Sunday's game against the Eagles. If his ankle responds well after practices Thursday and Friday, Miller could avoid the questionable tag entirely, which would allow fantasy managers to deploy him with greater confidence.

Published: Wed, Dec 19 at 2:31pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Works on stationary bike

Miller (ankle) was spotted on a stationary bike during the portion of Wednesday's practice that was open to the media, Aaron Reiss of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: The Texans will reveal later Wednesday if Miller's activity constitutes limited or non-participation at practice. For now, his status for Sunday's game against the Eagles is unclear, but if Miller is unable to suit up, added work would be available for Alfred Blue. D'Onta Foreman could also re-enter the team's backfield mix for the first time this season.

Published: Wed, Dec 19 at 10:48am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Injury may not be serious

Coach Bill O'Brien indicated Miller's right ankle injury doesn't appear severe, but won't know fully until the team returns to Houston following Saturday's win over the Jets, Aaron Reiss of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Miller sustained the injury on the Texans' first drive and re-entered for the following series before fully exiting the contest. He carried three times for eight yards prior leaving the game. The early report is good news but the lack of specifics currently leaves Miller's status for Week 16 up in the air.

Published: Sat, Dec 15 at 5:47pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Questionable to return Saturday

Miller is questionable to return to Saturday's game with an ankle injury.

Analysis: Miller exited Saturday's contest during the Texans' opening drive with what appeared to be a minor ankle injury, and actually returned to begin the team's second drive before heading off to the locker room later in the series. Alfred Blue and Buddy Howell will man the backfield in Miller's absence.

Published: Sat, Dec 15 at 2:15pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Finds end zone in win

Miller rushed 14 times for 33 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Colts. He also caught five of six targets for 19 yards.

Analysis: Miller was bottled up most of the day and turned in his worst effort since Week 9 as a result. Nevertheless, he took a direct snap from the one-yard line for a third-quarter touchdown. The 27-year-old had topped 100 rushing yards in four of his previous six games entering the contest, and he'll try to get back on track Week 15 in a road matchup with the Jets.

Published: Sun, Dec 9 at 2:43pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Tops 100 yards again

Miller rushed 19 times for 103 yards and caught his lone target for 12 more in Sunday's 29-13 win over Cleveland.

Analysis: Miller's mustered 100-plus yards on the ground in four of the past six games, reviving his fantasy value despite being stuck on just three rushing touchdowns and one receiving score for the season. Alfred Blue rushed 13 times for 54 yards in this one as well, with Houston keeping the ball on the ground after racing out to a 23-0 lead at the half. Miller and the Texans will host the Colts in Week 14.

Published: Sun, Dec 2 at 2:46pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

League-long touchdown run in win

Miller rushed 12 times for 162 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's 34-17 win over the Titans. He also caught his lone target for five yards.

Analysis: Miller exploded for a 97-yard touchdown run on the play after Houston's defense made a fourth-down stand deep in its own territory early in the second quarter. While that dramatic sequence marked a turning point in the game, Miller's sprint also became the longest rush in the NFL so far this season. With an average of nearly 6.0 yards per carry on his other totes Monday, the veteran was hugely productive on the whole, and has now hit the rushing century mark in three of his last five outings,…read more

Published: Mon, Nov 26 at 8:24pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Over 100 scrimmage yards in win

Miller rushed 20 times for 86 yards while catching three of five targets for 22 yards in Sunday's 23-21 win over Washington.

Analysis: Miller eclipsed 100 yards from scrimmage for the fourth time this season, but he still has only three total touchdowns on the year. The red-hot Texans will be searching for their eighth straight win when the Titans come to town in Week 12, and Miller should be a key offensive cog as the team's primary backfield option.

Published: Sun, Nov 18 at 3:50pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Held in check by Broncos

Miller managed just 21 rushing yards on 12 carries but added two receptions for 27 yards during Sunday's 19-17 win against Denver.

Analysis: Coming off back-to-back games with greater than 100 yards on the ground, Miller's 21-yard outing against Denver's bottom-10 rush defense was a complete dud. In October, the Broncos became the first team in NFL history to allow 200-yard rushers in consecutive games within the same season, but the defense keyed on Miller throughout the evening, refusing to allow him to get going. Following a Week 10 bye, Miller and the Texans will take on the Redskins, who rank among the NFL's five best rush…read more

Published: Sun, Nov 4 at 6:10pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

In line for high-volume day

Miller could play a significant role for a third straight game Sunday when the Texans face the Broncos' 27th-ranked rushing defense.

Analysis: Miller has gone off for 233 yards the last two weeks against units that have not defensed the run well -- 100 yards against Jacksonville (24th ranked) and 133 yards against Miami (29th ranked). A heavy dose of Miller has served to limit the exposure of quarterback Deshaun Watson, who had been banged up the last few weeks. Watson's in better health this week, but the Texans are down a pair of wideouts in Will Fuller (knee) and Keke Coutee (hamstring) and are also integrating recent acquisition…read more

Published: Sun, Nov 4 at 6:17am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com